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Threat Assessment Team

Threat Assessment Team

About

The Threat Assessment Program is dedicated to the early identification, assessment and management of incidents and behaviors that threaten the safety and well-being of the university community.

The University of Iowa established the Threat Assessment Program in 2008 in response to the Iowa Board of Regents’ Comprehensive Safety and Security Policy (Chapter 11), which includes a charge to provide comprehensive threat assessment and management services. The program is managed through a partnership with Human Resources and UI Public Safety. The TA combines expertise in the areas of law enforcement, mental health, student services, faculty/staff services, legal services and organizational effectiveness.

Warning Signs

Outlined below are some warning signs to become aware of and look out for. If you have concerns or observe any of these warning signs, they should be discussed with a Threat Manager.

Verbal Clues

Direct and indirect threats

Verbalizing a violent plan

Recurrent suicide threats or statements

Verbal wishes to kill, be killed or die

Threatens to bring weapon to school/work

Brags about having weapons

Threatening/harassing phone calls or e-mails

Statements of hopelessness

Bragging of violent behavior/fantasies

Challenging or intimidating statements

Excessive profanity (contextually inappropriate)

Name calling or abusive language

Bizarre Thoughts

Persecutory delusions with self as victim

Paranoia

Delusions in general

Command hallucinations

Grandiose delusions that involve power, control and/or destruction

Significantly deteriorated thought processes

Behavioral/Physical Cues

Physical altercation/assault upon others – frequent fighting

Inappropriate weapons possession or use

Writings/drawings with intense violent themes

Following/surveillance of targeted individuals

Short fuse, loss of emotional control

Bullying or victim of bullying

Deteriorating physical appearance/self-care

Isolating and withdrawn

Signs or history of substance abuse/dependence

Signs of depression/severe mood swings

Inappropriate displays of emotion

Reporting Threats

If you see any suspicious or threatening behavior, please contact a Threat Manager: